macchristyy
Well-known member
if you look on the bright side.. this means MORE NEW MAC STUFF! and usually when they discontinue something, they try to make something similar but BETTER so i cant wait to see what MAC has to offer later on!
Why is M.A.C. discontinuing so many good products?
- Thread starter pumpkincat210
- Start date
BunnyBunnyBunny
Well-known member
As a MAC retail artist, we are generally not given rhymes or reasons. We are just sent a list every once and a while with the things that are being discontinued and things that we need to return to the vendor. Often we have to guess as to why they're being taken away, like assuming because we didn't sell enough X item, it's being axed. We never really know unless there is a specific note.
And what we are trained to do with customers is always inform them of our still permanent products as well as new collections, and make sure to tell them that while that specific product is gone, there is always something fairly similar here or coming soon. Makeup is meant to be everchanging, and even though sometimes it's difficult to get out of bad habits, one can find something new that they like. You know what I mean?
And what we are trained to do with customers is always inform them of our still permanent products as well as new collections, and make sure to tell them that while that specific product is gone, there is always something fairly similar here or coming soon. Makeup is meant to be everchanging, and even though sometimes it's difficult to get out of bad habits, one can find something new that they like. You know what I mean?
bebs
Well-known member
I'm still upset about the paints.. I love those little buggers to death, they may take a little bit longer to apply and understand, but once you do they are like true love for any make up junkie like me.
I wish that they would still make them, but even the colors that they are keeping now aren't any fun most of the old colors that are were le or dc'ed long ago.
I wish that they would still make them, but even the colors that they are keeping now aren't any fun most of the old colors that are were le or dc'ed long ago.
joojoobss
Well-known member
what i find super disappointing is when i go a counter and the MA show me something, then i decide that i love it.. and then when they get it.. they say. "oh sorry.. we ran out, and its being discontinued. "
it happened several times already!!! namely sharkskin and the 180 brush... grrrr.....
it happened several times already!!! namely sharkskin and the 180 brush... grrrr.....
Marjolaine
Well-known member
I can understand when they want to discountinue an unpopular item to make space for new ones but I can never understand why they discontinued my fave lustreglass palatial, it was such a unique gloss..
Meisje
Well-known member
I'm sure ingredient availability is a big factor, but it's also brilliant marketing.
Discontinuing stuff makes people want to stay current with what's available in case their faves are discontinued --- which means visiting the site and store, which means being exposed to all the new offerings. Which are limited edition, so if you don't buy them now, you might never get them. And each time you visit the site/store to check availability, you're tempted to buy. When stuff IS discontinued, people stock up.
Doesn't make the rollercoaster any less fun, though
Discontinuing stuff makes people want to stay current with what's available in case their faves are discontinued --- which means visiting the site and store, which means being exposed to all the new offerings. Which are limited edition, so if you don't buy them now, you might never get them. And each time you visit the site/store to check availability, you're tempted to buy. When stuff IS discontinued, people stock up.
Doesn't make the rollercoaster any less fun, though
Amanda11762
New member
Is it true that some of the paints are the same colors as the paint pots? From what I've seen around paint pots are more popular. (I'm no MA, but that's my image of it.) The thread starter wrote something about more glitter in the new products-- I agree. I HATE glitter & sometimes the shimmer is too much shimmer!
I don't see why they discontinue eyeshadows. And the limited edition things are annoying in my opinion. I'm afraid to buy a L/E color or product just incase I love it. (Like blonde msf...)
I don't see why they discontinue eyeshadows. And the limited edition things are annoying in my opinion. I'm afraid to buy a L/E color or product just incase I love it. (Like blonde msf...)
hotpinkanthia
Member
I agree with a lot of the other posters, I hate it that they discontinue so many products. I would still go in and check everything out, new and old. They should offer to make DC products for a special fee-I'd be tempted to buy some of my old faves for like 3x the normal cost! hehe
I think it is kind of a marketing thing but I get stressed about running out of my favorites when they are L/E.
I think it is kind of a marketing thing but I get stressed about running out of my favorites when they are L/E.
glitterkitten
Active member
Quote:
No...they pay off is also totally different. Though Soft Ochre and Painterly are somewhat similar to Bare Canvas and Untitled. The Paint Pots are totally more popular b/c they tend to be more user friendly and do not dry down as fast. I totally prefer them over the Paints...but that's just me.
As for the glitter in the products, they totally need to chill on it. Not everyone wants to have a disco ball eye. They need more wearable softer colors matte or satin colors for people 30 and over.
just my 2 cents...
Originally Posted by Amanda11762
Is it true that some of the paints are the same colors as the paint pots? From what I've seen around paint pots are more popular. (I'm no MA, but that's my image of it.) The thread starter wrote something about more glitter in the new products-- I agree. I HATE glitter & sometimes the shimmer is too much shimmer! I don't see why they discontinue eyeshadows. And the limited edition things are annoying in my opinion. I'm afraid to buy a L/E color or product just incase I love it. (Like blonde msf...) |
No...they pay off is also totally different. Though Soft Ochre and Painterly are somewhat similar to Bare Canvas and Untitled. The Paint Pots are totally more popular b/c they tend to be more user friendly and do not dry down as fast. I totally prefer them over the Paints...but that's just me.
As for the glitter in the products, they totally need to chill on it. Not everyone wants to have a disco ball eye. They need more wearable softer colors matte or satin colors for people 30 and over.
just my 2 cents...
jmoore8018
Member
Have you guys checked out the new mac website? The whole thing has been revamped and there's a page where u can search for discontinued items. It's neat cause I found the dazzleglasses on there. it's the same ol' M·A·C Cosmetics | Offering a large selection of makeup, skin care products, and nail care items. Also offering cosmetic accessories but it looks hot!
lesreid2
Well-known member
Quote:
There is a whole thread about it here,lol.
| Originally Posted by jmoore8018
Have you guys checked out the new mac website? The whole thing has been revamped and there's a page where u can search for discontinued items. It's neat cause I found the dazzleglasses on there. it's the same ol' M·A·C Cosmetics | Offering a large selection of makeup, skin care products, and nail care items. Also offering cosmetic accessories but it looks hot! |
There is a whole thread about it here,lol.
ohnna-lee
Well-known member
Quote:
Do you have issues with your Fanplastico ozzing all over? I have taken it out and cleaned the rim and wand and still it wants out. I am afraid to take it anywhere. But I do love the color and texture!
| Originally Posted by cuteymcpretty
the shadesticks and lacquers have never been popular, although i do love fanplastico and poco pink, ill just stock up 
|
Do you have issues with your Fanplastico ozzing all over? I have taken it out and cleaned the rim and wand and still it wants out. I am afraid to take it anywhere. But I do love the color and texture!
honey_babee
Member
thats odd, i mean if its so popular. you would think that they keep it instead of discontinueing it >___<
lara
Well-known member
What is popular on Specktra is definitely not the same as what is popular in the consumer world as a whole. If it's not a big seller in the real world then it's dead wood and will be discontinued.
Besides, think of DC items as just creating space for new, innovative colours and products to fill their place.
Besides, think of DC items as just creating space for new, innovative colours and products to fill their place.
OK so I don't work in makeup but I do work in consumer goods, and it's part of my job to help recommend product deletions. As some have already mentioned, sales, having enough space and availability of ingredients/components are key factors, but there are other elements to the art of deleting products as well 
Here are a few:
1. Profitability. Sometimes rising costs of certain ingredients/components will impact the bottom line, making items less desirable to keep on. Sometimes if this is the case, the product will be replaced with a newer more "innovative" version so the company can charge more for it (just like how Paint Pots are more expensive per gram than Paints, and Dazzleglasses more expensive than Lustreglasses).
2. Other Deletions. Sometimes when you delete one item, you have no choice but to delete others. For example, if you are no longer making a Product A, then you are buying less of a certain ingredient that goes into Products A & B, and so the cost of that ingredient goes up (because you're no longer buying it in as much bulk). Therefore it becomes unviable to make Product B.
3. Strategic Fit. Sometimes items are discontinued because they are no longer a strategic part of the product portfolio. Let's say that MAC thinks mineral makeup has some serious growth potential and so introduces new mineral products (which seems to be the case). Other products with slower growth and which are no longer key to the strategic direction of the brand may be deleted to make room. Usually it's the brand manager(s) who will identify which strategic areas they want to focus on.
4. Innovation. Making room for new product innovation (e.g. new lines) or renovation (e.g. new colours of existing lines) is very important in order to keep consumers interested & maintain a point of difference vs other brands, especially since other companies are launching new products all the time.
Anyway, I think it's important to remember that one reason why MAC is a great company is that it has such fantastic product innovation (but that comes at a price in terms of constantly deleting items). A company can't please every consumer in terms of keeping on ALL their products forever - and having fewer items usually reduces overall costs, and means the company can be more focused on doing certain things well, rather than everything.
Here are a few:1. Profitability. Sometimes rising costs of certain ingredients/components will impact the bottom line, making items less desirable to keep on. Sometimes if this is the case, the product will be replaced with a newer more "innovative" version so the company can charge more for it (just like how Paint Pots are more expensive per gram than Paints, and Dazzleglasses more expensive than Lustreglasses).
2. Other Deletions. Sometimes when you delete one item, you have no choice but to delete others. For example, if you are no longer making a Product A, then you are buying less of a certain ingredient that goes into Products A & B, and so the cost of that ingredient goes up (because you're no longer buying it in as much bulk). Therefore it becomes unviable to make Product B.
3. Strategic Fit. Sometimes items are discontinued because they are no longer a strategic part of the product portfolio. Let's say that MAC thinks mineral makeup has some serious growth potential and so introduces new mineral products (which seems to be the case). Other products with slower growth and which are no longer key to the strategic direction of the brand may be deleted to make room. Usually it's the brand manager(s) who will identify which strategic areas they want to focus on.
4. Innovation. Making room for new product innovation (e.g. new lines) or renovation (e.g. new colours of existing lines) is very important in order to keep consumers interested & maintain a point of difference vs other brands, especially since other companies are launching new products all the time.
Anyway, I think it's important to remember that one reason why MAC is a great company is that it has such fantastic product innovation (but that comes at a price in terms of constantly deleting items). A company can't please every consumer in terms of keeping on ALL their products forever - and having fewer items usually reduces overall costs, and means the company can be more focused on doing certain things well, rather than everything.
MAKEUPdiva81
Member
It is great to point out why companies discontinue great products. As consumers it can be VERY frustrating but we sometimes do not think of all the reasons companies make such decisions.
I was upset by the MAC Dress Camp collection exclusivity and also the LE California Dreamin' lipstick offered to CA residents only.
As a devoted buyer of MAC for years both were a slap in the face to me.
I eventually got over it though and still continue to purchase due to the fact that I am in love with so many of their products. Just like any relationship you get over it!
I have to admit I have felt very frustrated with a lot of my favorite products being LE. However it is nice to know MAC offers a "Gone but Not Forgotten" program. It keeps the hope alive!
I always hope to see some really awesome products come back!
I am really looking forward to the collections of 2009. I am ready for some TRUE excitement!!
From what I have been reading it looks like some really great launches coming up.
I am still on the hunt for AfterDusk. I really wanted that blush to add to my collection. Sometimes I could kick myself for a lot of the items I passed on.
This year I am definitely going for what my heart desires!! (part-time job here I come)
I was upset by the MAC Dress Camp collection exclusivity and also the LE California Dreamin' lipstick offered to CA residents only.
I have to admit I have felt very frustrated with a lot of my favorite products being LE. However it is nice to know MAC offers a "Gone but Not Forgotten" program. It keeps the hope alive!
I am really looking forward to the collections of 2009. I am ready for some TRUE excitement!!
I am still on the hunt for AfterDusk. I really wanted that blush to add to my collection. Sometimes I could kick myself for a lot of the items I passed on.
adruci
Well-known member
[quote name="anita22" url="/forum/thread/92866/why-is-m-a-c-discontinuing-so-many-good-products/30#post_1479322"]OK so I don't work in makeup but I do work in consumer goods, and it's part of my job to help recommend product deletions. As some have already mentioned, sales, having enough space and availability of ingredients/components are key factors, but there are other elements to the art of deleting products as well Here are a few:
1. Profitability. Sometimes rising costs of certain ingredients/components will impact the bottom line, making items less desirable to keep on. Sometimes if this is the case, the product will be replaced with a newer more "innovative" version so the company can charge more for it (just like how Paint Pots are more expensive per gram than Paints, and Dazzleglasses more expensive than Lustreglasses).
2. Other Deletions. Sometimes when you delete one item, you have no choice but to delete others. For example, if you are no longer making a Product A, then you are buying less of a certain ingredient that goes into Products A & B, and so the cost of that ingredient goes up (because you're no longer buying it in as much bulk). Therefore it becomes unviable to make Product B.
3. Strategic Fit. Sometimes items are discontinued because they are no longer a strategic part of the product portfolio. Let's say that MAC thinks mineral makeup has some serious growth potential and so introduces new mineral products (which seems to be the case). Other products with slower growth and which are no longer key to the strategic direction of the brand may be deleted to make room. Usually it's the brand manager(s) who will identify which strategic areas they want to focus on.
4. Innovation. Making room for new product innovation (e.g. new lines) or renovation (e.g. new colours of existing lines) is very important in order to keep consumers interested & maintain a point of difference vs other brands, especially since other companies are launching new products all the time.
Anyway, I think it's important to remember that one reason why MAC is a great company is that it has such fantastic product innovation (but that comes at a price in terms of constantly deleting items). A company can't please every consumer in terms of keeping on ALL their products forever - and having fewer items usually reduces overall costs, and means the company can be more focused on doing certain things well, rather than everything.[/quote] So TRUE. I know we all get upset when our favorite products are disco'd or we stockpile LE items, but MAC bases itself as being a trend based makeup company and with that being said, there is no way it could continue to produce new, innovative products based on F/W & S/S collections and not phase out products that aren't viable. Another reason for products being disco'd is advances in makeup technology. Funny to say but this is actually a big deal at the moment - MAC has being trying to remove parabens out of their makeup for the past few years and this is a reason why some foundations (or other emollient based makeup) have hit the chopping block.
Here are a few:1. Profitability. Sometimes rising costs of certain ingredients/components will impact the bottom line, making items less desirable to keep on. Sometimes if this is the case, the product will be replaced with a newer more "innovative" version so the company can charge more for it (just like how Paint Pots are more expensive per gram than Paints, and Dazzleglasses more expensive than Lustreglasses).
2. Other Deletions. Sometimes when you delete one item, you have no choice but to delete others. For example, if you are no longer making a Product A, then you are buying less of a certain ingredient that goes into Products A & B, and so the cost of that ingredient goes up (because you're no longer buying it in as much bulk). Therefore it becomes unviable to make Product B.
3. Strategic Fit. Sometimes items are discontinued because they are no longer a strategic part of the product portfolio. Let's say that MAC thinks mineral makeup has some serious growth potential and so introduces new mineral products (which seems to be the case). Other products with slower growth and which are no longer key to the strategic direction of the brand may be deleted to make room. Usually it's the brand manager(s) who will identify which strategic areas they want to focus on.
4. Innovation. Making room for new product innovation (e.g. new lines) or renovation (e.g. new colours of existing lines) is very important in order to keep consumers interested & maintain a point of difference vs other brands, especially since other companies are launching new products all the time.
Anyway, I think it's important to remember that one reason why MAC is a great company is that it has such fantastic product innovation (but that comes at a price in terms of constantly deleting items). A company can't please every consumer in terms of keeping on ALL their products forever - and having fewer items usually reduces overall costs, and means the company can be more focused on doing certain things well, rather than everything.[/quote] So TRUE. I know we all get upset when our favorite products are disco'd or we stockpile LE items, but MAC bases itself as being a trend based makeup company and with that being said, there is no way it could continue to produce new, innovative products based on F/W & S/S collections and not phase out products that aren't viable. Another reason for products being disco'd is advances in makeup technology. Funny to say but this is actually a big deal at the moment - MAC has being trying to remove parabens out of their makeup for the past few years and this is a reason why some foundations (or other emollient based makeup) have hit the chopping block.
